Lee, Macron pledge efforts to restore Strait of Hormuz

SEOUL, September 9 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung agreed with French President Emmanuel Macron to coordinate closely on international efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize global supply chains during their summit in Paris on Tuesday.

In a joint press conference after the summit at the Élysée Palace, Lee said South Korea and France would continue close coordination to help restore freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway "as soon as possible."

He also recalled a meeting in April led by France and the U.K., during which Seoul expressed its willingness to cooperate, reaffirming its intention to join international efforts.

Macron also pledged to cooperate on a multinational mission to reopen the strait, stressing the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and finding a peaceful solution.

Neither leader, however, referred to a military deployment or disclosed whether troops, naval assets or other equipment would be involved.

A senior Cheong Wa Dae official also told reporters in Paris that the two leaders' discussions focused on how Seoul could contribute to international cooperation rather than on sending troops. The official added that South Korea and France exchanged views on Seoul's willingness to make a practical contribution, while reviewing options, with "nothing decided."

Meanwhile, the Defense Ministry here sent a team of officials to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the previous day to assess the security situation around the strait. But the ministry said the dispatch was not intended as a step toward deploying troops there and denied reports that the U.S. had asked South Korea to send military assets to the region, stressing again that no decision had been made.

For now, South Korea supports international efforts to protect freedom of navigation and global supply chains, while leaving open how it will contribute.
 

Among other issues, South Korea and France also discussed ways to further strengthen biliteral cooperation as they mark the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. "Based on the deep friendship and trust built over the past 140 years, we agreed to open a new chapter for the next 140 years," Lee said.

The two countries also signed around 16 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) covering defense, trade, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, semiconductors and other areas.

AJP Takeaways

- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed on Sept. 8, 2026, to coordinate international efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize global supply chains.

- South Korea has not decided whether to deploy troops or military assets to the Strait of Hormuz. Seoul said it is reviewing possible contributions, while France backed a peaceful multinational mission to reopen the strategic waterway.

- South Korea and France agreed to deepen broader bilateral cooperation as they mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties, signing around 16 memorandums of understanding covering defense, trade, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, quantum technology and semiconductors.